Ziziphus jujuba – Chinese date, Jujube

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Rhamnaceae

Ziziphus jujuba – Chinese date, Jujube

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Small to medium-size deciduous tree with a round, half-open crown growing to approx. 10 m. The young twigs are distinctly zigzag and with one or two thorns at the base of each leaf. If there is just one thorn it is straight and 3 cm long, a second thorn is bent and distinctly shorter. The flower shoots are not thorny. The mature bark is dark grey-brown and smooth. The elliptical to oval-elongated leaf is glossy dark green and has three distinct main veins. It is positioned in two rows along the zigzag twigs. It feels leathery and has a finely crenated margin. The yellow flowers open in pairs or in clusters of three in April and May. They are followed by fleshy drupes that vary in colour from red to black-brown. The fruit is edible and has been eaten in China since long before the Christian era. The limited winter hardiness means this tree is only suitable for mild climatic zones and in sheltered sites such as patios, atriums and courtyards.
Availability
Clear stem (2)
Specifications
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Height
8 - 10 m
Width
6-8m
Crown
round, half-open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
twigs zigzag, thorny, bark dark grey-brown
Leaf
elliptical to oval-elongated, with three main veins, glossy green, 2- 7 cm
Flowers
in axillar♂ pairs or clusters of 3, yellow, April/May
Fruits
fleshy drupe, oval-elongated, 1.5 - 2.5 cm, dark red to black-brown, edible, edible fruits
Spines/thorns
Yes
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
any well-drained soils, lightly acidic to limy, tolerates drought
Soil moisture
suitable for dry soil
Paving
tolerates partial paving
Winter hardiness zone
8 (-12,2 to -6,7 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
can withstand wind
Application
tree containers, roof gardens
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
South-Eastern Europe to South and East Asia
Synonyms
Zizuphus zizyphus
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree calcareous soil clay soil sandy soil tolerates partial paving suitable for dry soil can withstand wind 2nd size, between 6 and 12 metres half-open crown green yellow average growing non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing Ornamental fruit Edible fruits yes
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Frequently asked questions
Ziziphus jujuba

Ziziphus jujuba can eventually reach a height of 8 - 10 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Ziziphus jujuba is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 8 - 10 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Ziziphus jujuba is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Ziziphus jujuba with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Ziziphus jujuba blooms in april.
General